Mira Costa’s Swatik Named 4-A Volleyball MVP

Mira Costa High senior David Swatik, who led the Mustangs to the Southern Section 4-A Division volleyball title and a 22-0 season, has been chosen 4-A most valuable player by the division’s coaches.

Swatik, a 6-foot-4 outside hitter bound for UCLA, headed six Mira Costa players selected to the 4-A squad. Setter Canyon Ceman and middle blockers Pat Ivie and Mike Ashenfelter were named to the first team, outside hitter Mark Shoptaw was a second-team choice, and setter Brian Thurston was picked for the third team.

Mira Costa Coach Mike Cook said it was the first time a team’s entire starting lineup was selected All-Southern Section.

“It’s a tribute to a team that went 77-2 in games,” Cook said. “We’ve became a team that other teams can measure themselves by.”

Swatik is the second Mira Costa boys’ volleyball player to be selected Southern Section MVP. Setter Jason McFarland was MVP in 1984, the year the Mustangs won the 4-A title, also with a 22-0 record.

Called the top prep player in the nation by Volleyball Monthly, Swatik led the Mustangs in kills and was at his best in Mira Costa’s 15-6, 15-12, 15-11 victory over Edison of Huntington Beach in the 4-A final May 26. He led the team in kills, digs and service points and was second in blocks.

Another South Bay player named to the 4-A squad was Rolling Hills setter Ross Pier, a second-team choice.

Two players for Olympic League champion Miraleste were selected to the 2-A Division squad. Brian Johnston was named to the first team, while Mark Mayeda earned second-team honors.